Lotus Darlene Lillehaug, Spearfish Canyon, passed away in Hospice Care, December 3, 2010, ending a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

She was born in Lemmon, SD to Ira and Florence Ellingson on January 22, 1931, growing up on a farm near Shadehill. She graduated from Lemmon High School in 1948. On June 7, 1948 she married Arlendo "Casey" Lillehaug in Lemmon marking 62 years. They loved to waltz and attend polkas fests!

In 1949 they moved to Lead and then to Savoy, Spearfish Canyon in 1954. Mom was the hostess of the canyon. In 1989 Lotus and Arlendo moved into a beautiful log home they build together just up the road from Savoy. Her home welcomed countless family members, friends and strangers in for coffee and a meal, and a warm spot for stranded travelers. She worked at the original Latchstring Inn during the summer and fall months. But her time was really spent caring and supporting others.
She was a mother to many nieces and nephews besides her own four children.

She was a member worshiping for 60 years at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Lead, SD where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was a member of the Lawrence County Search and Rescue, Spearfish Canyon Fire Department, Moose Lodge, extension club, and a Boy and Girl Scout leader.

She loved to bake, keep her house, host fun gatherings, take long walks in the canyon, play bridge and board games, but her best was being a friend to all.

She will be dearly missed by her husband, Arlendo, children; John (Dee) Lillehaug, McCall, ID, Gary Lillehaug, Spearfish Canyon, Dianne (Cris) Miller, west of Spearfish, Lisa (Doug) Keifert, Spearfish,
ten grandchildren, ten great grandchildren with four more great grandchildren within months, brother-in-law, Kenny (Vangie)Lillehaug, Lemmon and sister in law, Donna Ellingson, Portland Oregon and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was her parents, sister, Venoy "Babe" Corcoran, brother, Terry Ellingson, and a brother in infancy.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to Hospice of the Northern Hills or Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Lead.

Prayer services will be held at 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Lead. Inurnment will take place at Mt. Lawn Cemetery.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com